Christmas eve, I accidentally
obstructed a woman while walking
through a Target Superstore
I smiled meekly, “sorry”
Her face turned smokey slate
eyes narrowing into half inch
wrought iron slits
I watched mournfully
as her heart was buried alive
inside a stone coffin
and lowered deep into the
cavity of her chest

Resuming my walk I
reflected on the grave importance
of endeavoring to stay heart centered
it’s actually not that difficult
but it does take practice
and some dedicated effort

A few minutes each day
after some deep, pure breaths
I find a tranquil, sylvan space
inside my heart
a silver brook flows
skipping over rocks and pebbles
I wait in readiness and anticipation
soon the warm amber presence
of my Beloved
envelops me
I sense sweet mercy
compassion beyond
description

“Dear God
pry open the shrouded vault of my
being
exhume all that is not real
the entombed illusion
Let me be Light
the Eternal Light of Your
immense, immeasurable Love"